Family: Araliaceae

Ming aralia is a shrub with a dense upright habit.  Native to tropical areas from India to Polynesia, it thrives in Hawaii. A slow-growing, utility-friendly plant, it won’t grow above ten feet. The vertical growth and evergreen foliage are excellent for use in a border, hedge, or accent. This species does not flower in cultivation; germination is vegetative. It is a low-maintenance plant once established.  

When given bright indirect light, Ming aralia makes a beautiful house plant. Young shoots are eaten, all parts are used medicinally.

Plant Uses:

• Container plant
• Edible
• Hedge
• Indoor plant
• Medicinal
• Ornamental

Plant Dangers:

• No dangers

High Risk Traits:

• Broad climate suitability (zones 10A–11; tolerates varied soils, salt, drought, wetness)
  
• Native to tropical/subtropical regions (India to Polynesia)
  
• History of repeated introductions outside native range (U.S.: FL, CA, AZ)
  
• Host for recognized pests/pathogens (e.g., Alternaria panax, ringspot virus)
  
• Shade tolerant (full shade to full sun)
  
• Propagules intentionally dispersed by people (widely sold as ornamental)
  
• Bird-dispersed propagules (drupes)
  
• Propagules survive gut passage
  
• Tolerates mutilation/pruning (used as fodder)

Low Risk Traits:

• No evidence of domestication, naturalization, or weedy races
  
• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• Not allelopathic, parasitic, toxic, or a fire hazard
  
• No vegetative spread
  
• No prolific seed production (seeds rare; propagated by cuttings)
  
• No persistent seed bank documented
  
• No evidence of dispersal by wind, water, produce contamination, or external animal attachment